The Department of Elections is looking for new pollworkers! If you are dedicated, efficient, patient, and friendly (and especially if you are bilingual) please apply.
Online Application
Pollworker Training
Pollworker Training Manual (PDF)
FAQ's for Poll Workers
Newsletters
Pollworker Quiz
Qualifications
To apply for the pollworker position you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a United States citizen*
- Be a registered voter of California
- Be able to read and write English
- Be 18 years old by Election Day (unless you are applying through the High School Pollworker Program)
*Federal law requires the Department of Elections to provide language assistance at specific polling places. Therefore, we encourage non-U.S. citizens fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish to work as translators on Election Day.
Hours and Pay
All pollworkers must arrive at the polling place no later then 6:00 a.m. on Election Day. Although the polls officially close at 8:00 p.m.,the voting process does not end until all materials have been picked up (usually around 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.). There will be meal breaks during the day.
Inspectors will be paid as follows:
- $ 20 for picking up election materials and supplies
- $ 145 for performing duties on Election Day
Clerks (Including High School Student Clerks) and Translators will be paid as follows:
- $122 for performing duties on Election Day
As determined by the Inspector, the following extra stipends will be paid to one pollworker per polling place.
- $5 for personal cell phone used as contact number to communicate with the Department of Elections on Election Day
- $5 for staying with Inspector until all election supplies are picked up
For more information, please contact the Pollworker Division at (415) 554-4395
